The United Nations Security Council has approved an initiative to renew peace talks in Syria, marking the first time in two years the 15-member council has agreed on a political statement to address the crisis. The move came as the Syrian government launched fresh airstrikes on a rebel-held district northeast of Damascus, a day after killing about 100 people at a market in Douma. The attack appears to be among the deadliest in the four-year conflict. Speaking Monday in Damascus, U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien said he was “horrified” by the attacks on civilians.

U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien: “Last week we heard of shelling of Damascus by armed groups. While I have been here, we have heard appalling reports of new airstrikes on the besieged area of Douma. Yesterday’s airstrikes on the central market area caused scores of civilian deaths, and hundreds of people were injured. Hospitals are scrambling to treat them. I am absolutely horrified by the total disregard for civilian life by all parties in this conflict.”